Who Is in ‘The Nightingale’ Cast? Elle and Dakota Fanning to Star in Adaptation of Kristin Hannah Novel

Book lovers are ecstatic that Kristin Hannah’s book The Nightingale is being brought to life on film with an already impressive casting announcement.

Sisters Dakota and Elle Fanning will be sharing the screen in the movie adaptation of the bestselling historical fiction novel.

“The Nightingale tells the stories of two sisters, separated by years and experience, by ideals, passion and circumstance, each embarking on her own dangerous path toward survival, love and freedom in German-occupied, war-torn France ― a heartbreakingly beautiful novel that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the durability of women,” the book’s summary reads.

Keep scrolling for the latest casting updates about the movie:

Dakota and Elle Fanning Were Cast in ‘The Nightingale’

Dakota and Elle shared their excitement about working together on the film in July 2025.

“The Nightingale will be the first time we act on screen together. We have played the same character at different ages but have never spoken to each other in front of a camera. For years, we have looked for a film to do with one another and then this gem appeared,” they said in a joint statement. “As sisters, to share our artistry with each other while bringing such a powerful sister story to life is a dream come true. We are so lucky to have our fearless director, Melanie Laurent, to guide us along on the journey. Let’s do this, sister!!”

Elle will be portraying the character Isabelle, while Dakota will play Vianne, per IMDb. They both previously acted in 2001’s I Am Sam but did not appear on screen together, as they played the younger and older versions of the same character.